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The 2010-11 People’s Budget reflects my administration’s continued dedication to strengthening Florida’s economy and improving the quality of life for every Floridian. In order to invigorate Florida’s economic engine, we need to embrace a new era of collaboration by partnering with Florida’s business community and developing a long-term strategic plan to ensure Florida’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a global knowledge-based economy of the 21st century. Florida’s economic competitiveness is dependent on a talented, highly-skilled, and knowledgeable workforce.
We are encouraged by recent trends indicating Florida’s economy is improving. For Fiscal Year 2010-11, an overall 3.3 percent growth rate is expected. Also, unemployment is expected to peak in the 3rd quarter of 2010 and existing home sales have been increasing. My administration, however, remains steadfast in its determination to spend the people’s money wisely. Government must live within its means and act as a responsible steward of Florida’s plentiful resources.
In building this budget, my paramount concerns are ensuring that Floridians are working and that businesses are thriving. My budget outlines these priorities and recommends a comprehensive plan to accelerate economic recovery. I am proud to include over $100 million in tax relief so that Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money. I am proposing a one-percent reduction on the corporate income tax rate, on the first one million dollars of a corporation’s taxable income. In addition, the 10-day Back to School Sales Tax Holiday will help Florida families save on clothing and school supplies and stimulate the economy. My budget also focuses on a variety of economic incentives for Florida businesses.
Importantly, my recommendations provide a comprehensive approach for preserving programs Floridians rely on today and for safeguarding Florida’s future. To ensure that Florida’s children continue to receive a world-class education, my proposed budget includes a record $22.7 billion for PreK–12 Education, and a 2.61 percent increase in public school per-student funding, the second highest level in Florida’s history. I am also recommending increased funding for community colleges, universities, and merit pay for teachers based on student achievement. My proposals further protect the people and resources of this great state; funding to continue the steady decrease in the prison population, to preserve Florida’s abundant natural resources, and to provide assistance for community and infrastructure development so that our citizens have a safe place to live and work.
While the state’s economy is showing encouraging signs of improvement, the current fiscal environment does not allow me the opportunity to recommend a salary increase for Florida’s dedicated and hard-working civil servants. However, my recommendations do provide $78.4 million to fund the entire increase necessary to continue health insurance benefits for state employees. After 3 years without a salary increase, taking even more money out of the pockets of state employees would not only be inappropriate, but would also reduce the buying power of over 120,000 consumers. Additionally, I am proposing that agency heads be given the flexibility to use unspent appropriations to provide salary increases for employees in occupations that are experiencing excessive turnover or recruitment difficulties; to provide merit pay increases and salary equity increases to deserving employees; and to increase on-call pay or shift differentials.
This budget balances the needs and priorities of the people of Florida with sound fiscal discipline. In doing so, we are able to avoid tax increases and deep cuts to important programs that would further burden Florida’s families and businesses during these trying times. Together we will secure economic growth and thrive as Florida moves into a new era of prosperity.
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